News: Porsche Carrera Cup GB 2007

With an incredibly strong three-car team, Motorbase Performance is poised for a very serious assault on the 2007 Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Building on the success of the 2006 campaign, the team has signed two of the most exciting new drivers in the championship to spearhead its challenge for both the overall drivers' title and the prestigious teams' championship.

Sam Hancock brings a wealth of sportscar and endurance racing experience to the team and has contested the Le Mans 24 Hour race on four occasions following a successful switch from single-seater racing.

"The chance to have a crack at the overall title in a series backed by such an important sports car manufacturer with a proven front-running team was simply too good to miss," said Hancock. "There's a real hunger in the team to win. I know it's going to be a tough year," said Hancock, but his third fastest time during the pre-season test day at Snetterton suggests he will be a major contender.

Team boss David Bartrum is delighted to have signed Hancock for the season. "Judging by Sam's first few outings in the car we're very optimistic about the season ahead." Hancock will be supported by Technojobs, the technical recruitment website.

Running alongside Hancock in the pro category will be former F3 ace Steven Kane, one of the brightest young drivers in British racing.

The Irish racer was the McLaren/BRDC/Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award in 2001. He subsequently raced for four seasons in British F3, but is now giving his career a fresh direction and is keen to follow in the wheeltracks of fellow F3 racer Danny Watts, one of the stars of the 2006 Carrera Cup GB.

"Doing the Carrera Cup keeps my name out there, and it is a very competitive championship where you can get noticed if you do well," says Kane. "I've raced a Porsche twice in the past, but it's going to be exciting to get to grips with a whole season."

Bartrum is delighted to have brought Kane into the Carrera Cup. "I've always wanted to get Steven into the team as I rate him very highly. It's good news for the championship and this is the right place for him to really re-establish his career."

Completing the Carrera Cup squad is Andy Britnell, one of the most popular drivers in the championship and a major contender for the pro-am category. Britnell will return to the Carrera Cup after sitting out most of the 2006 season due to business commitments and will be supported by Buyland, Vantis plc and Phoenix Interiors Ltd.

For Motorbase Performance, 2007 promises to be a remarkable season. Running in parallel to the Carrera Cup campaign, the team is fielding a pair of SEAT Toledos in the Dunlop/MSA British Touring Car Championship for Gareth Howell and Matt Allison.

The racing programme starts at Brands Hatch this weekend (March 31/April 1), when all five of the Motorbase cars will be action at the team's home track.

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